A NEW Orleans parade band played in traditional tribute at the funeral of a giant of the Bradford jazz scene today.

Trombonist Malcolm Webb was a hugely popular band leader for more than 40 years and his life was celebrated in style at Morton Cemetery, Keighley, this morning.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: A New Orleans jazz band accompanied the funeral of Bradford jazz legend Malcolm Webb at Morton Cemetery

A New Orleans jazz band accompanied the funeral of Bradford jazz legend Malcolm Webb at Morton Cemetery

David Markham of Bingley jazz club said Mr Webb, of Keighley, had been an inspirational cornerstone of the music scene.

"In 1964 he formed the first jazz band to have a regular residency in Bingley – every Tuesday night at the Old King’s Head. It was a huge and immediate success.

"After that closed he took his band to the Brown Cow in Bingley in 1970 and played every Monday night for 20 years.

"In his hey-day he used to really pack them in - it was a "must-see" event for jazz fans from Bingley and beyond.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: A New Orleans jazz band accompanied the funeral of Bradford jazz legend Malcolm Webb at Morton Cemetery

A New Orleans jazz band accompanied the funeral of Bradford jazz legend Malcolm Webb at Morton Cemetery

"Malcolm really dominated the scene and delighted people who like traditional New Orleans jazz, playing his trombone in the style of Kid Ory, a great American player," Mr Markham said.

Mr Webb later played regularly at the Rishworth Club, Crossflatts, but ill-health caused him to stop performing some ten years ago.